Check Valve

ABSTRACT

A check valve supplies fluid to a system and includes a fluid barrier protects the sealing elements and surfaces of the check valve preventing degradation from any backflow of gas and debris from the system to which fluid is supplied.

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 14/590,736, filed Jan. 6, 2015, issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,611,980, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.14/504,230, filed Oct. 1, 2014, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,353,742, allof which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to extending the life of check valves inhostile environments, and is particularly suitable for use inlubrication systems for natural gas compressors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Natural gas compressors require a consistent supply of lubricant. Toenter the compressor, the lubricant must be delivered at a pressure thatis greater than the pressure within the compressor. Lubricant istypically distributed to the lubrication points by a divider block,which periodically delivers a small amount of lubricant at a highpressure to each lubrication point. A check valve is used to prevent hotgases from the compressor cylinder from flowing into the lubricationsystem when the pressure from the lubrication system is reduced, such asbetween cycles of the divider block. When the lubricant pressure issufficiently high, the check valve opens and lubricant is injected intothe compressor cylinder. When the lubricant pressure is reduced, thespring closes the valve to prevent gases from the compressor cylinderfrom entering the lubrication system.

Prior art check valves fail due to hot gas and debris entering the checkvalve each time the pump causes it to open to allow lubricant to beinjected into the compressor cylinder or rod packing gland. The openingof the check valve exposes the seating surfaces to the hot gas anddebris that are in the gas stream of the compressor. The hot gas heatsthe sealing surfaces in the check valve causing it to fail prematurely.The debris in the gas stream migrates into the check valve and causesthe balls to stick open. As the debris lodges between the sealingsurface and the ball, the hot gas migrates upstream into the lubricanttubing and causes problems with the pistons that inject oil into thecylinder or rod packing gland.

One known solution is a separate device, a check valve protector,installed on the downstream side of the check valve to protect thesealing surfaces. This solution adds extra cost to the components andadds another lubricant leak path to the system. Another disadvantage ofcurrent check valve protectors is the positioning of the lubricantinlet. The inlet is typically oriented at a 90-degree position from thecheck valve protector axis, which prevents the check valve protectorfrom being installed in many applications where the cylinder is close toanother cylinder. Another problem with prior art check valve protectorsis that they incorporate a single NPT thread on the outlet. This cancause installation difficulties when installing the device. Due to the90-degree inlet of this device, in many cases it must be over-torqued toposition it correctly to align with the system tubing connection. Thisover-torquing causes extreme stress on the threads in the compressorcylinder, and has been known to destroy both the cylinder threads andthe threads on the device. The over-torquing of the threads deforms themetal and not only causes issues with leaking explosive gases to theatmosphere, but also eliminates the ability to reuse that particularinjection point if a new device has to be installed. When this occurs,the compressor cylinder must be removed and sent to a machine shop to berepaired or a new cylinder must be installed, which costs theowner/operator thousands of dollars.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a more reliable check valve inwhich the integrity of the sealing surfaces within the check valve, andother components of the lubrication system, are protected from hot gasand debris that may leak or migrate into the check valve.

Some embodiments of a valve include a housing having an axial conduitextending along a central axis from an inlet at one end for entry offluid into the housing to an outlet at an opposite end for exit of fluidfrom the housing; a check valve body disposed within the axial conduitof the valve housing; and a fluid flow path through which fluid flowsfrom the inlet through the check valve body to the outlet, wherein fluidis retained within a portion of the fluid flow path to substantiallysurround the check valve body preventing gas and debris from the outletfrom entering the check valve body.

Some embodiments include a housing having an inlet at one end for entryof fluid into the housing and an outlet at an opposite end for exit offluid from the housing; a check valve disposed within the housing; and afluid flow path in which fluid flows from the inlet through the housingto the outlet, the fluid flow path including a barrier portion whereinfluid is retained to substantially prevent gas and debris from foulingthe check valve, the barrier portion providing a sufficiently small gapso that the fluid remains in the gap due to surface tension.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technicaladvantages of the present invention so the detailed description of theinvention that follows may be better understood. Additional features andadvantages of the invention will be described hereinafter. It should beappreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specificembodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying ordesigning other structures for carrying out the same purposes of thepresent invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in theart that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope ofthe invention as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more thorough understanding of the present invention, andadvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptionstaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a check valve that is shown inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a valve housing that is shown inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first valve body section that is shownin accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a first valve body section shownaccording to an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a set of sealing ball and bias springs for use in a checkvalve shown according to an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a second valve body section for use in a check valve shownaccording to an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a check valve according to anillustrative embodiment shown in a closed position:

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a process for supplying fluid to a machinery orequipment from a fluid reservoir using a check valve according to anillustrative embodiment; and

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a process for manufacturing a check valve shownaccording to an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a check valveaccording to an illustrative embodiment shown in a closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Some embodiments provide a check valve that is capable of connectionwith mechanical and/or fluid systems in which distally opposedconnections are in axial alignment to allow incremental tightening toprevent over-torquing which might damage the connection and possiblycause mechanical failure at the connection.

In some embodiments, a check valve includes a valve housing having afirst connection at one end and a second connection at an opposite,distal end. The first and second connections are aligned along a centralaxis of the valve housing. A valve body is located within the valvehousing and is aligned along its central axis. The valve housing andvalve body together define a fluid flow path through which fluid flowsfrom the inlet to the outlet. The flow path extends from the inletthrough and out of the interior of the valve body. It continues betweenthe valve body and valve housing to the outlet. The flow path includes aportion forming a fluid jacket between the valve housing and valve bodyso that the valve body is surrounded by the fluid jacket. The fluidjacket retains fluid between the interior of the valve body and theoutlet which, when used with a natural gas compressor lubricationsystem, prevents hot gases and debris produced by the compressor fromentering the flow path and degrading sealing surfaces within the checkvalve.

In some embodiments, a check valve includes a valve housing having afirst connection at one end and a second connection at an opposite,distal end. The first and second connections are aligned along a centralaxis of the valve housing. A valve body is located within the valvehousing and is aligned along its central axis. The valve housing andvalve body together define a fluid flow path through which fluid flowsfrom the inlet to the outlet. The flow path extends from the inletthrough the interior of the valve body, out of the valve body continuingbetween the valve body and valve housing, and back through the interiorof the valve body to the outlet. The flow path includes a portionforming a fluid jacket between the valve housing and valve body so thatthe valve body is surrounded by the fluid jacket. The fluid jacketretains fluid between the interior of the valve body and the outletwhich, when used with a natural gas compressor lubrication system,prevents hot gases and debris produced by the compressor from enteringthe flow path and degrading sealing surfaces within the check valve.

Some embodiments of a check valve include a valve housing having a firstconnection at one end and a second connection at an opposite, distalend. The first and second connections are aligned along a central axisof the valve housing. A valve body is located within the valve housingand is aligned along its central axis. The valve housing and valve bodytogether define a fluid flow path through which fluid flows from theinlet to the outlet. The flow path includes a portion forming a fluidjacket between the valve housing and valve body so that the valve bodyis surrounded by the fluid jacket. The fluid jacket retains fluidbetween the interior of the valve body and the outlet which, when usedwith a natural gas compressor lubrication system, prevents hot gases anddebris produced by the compressor from entering the flow path anddegrading sealing surfaces within the check valve. In a naturalcompressor lubrication system, a preferred check valve includes a flowpath having a portion that defines a fluid jacket between the sealingcomponents of the check valve and the outlet to the compressor. Thefluid jacket prevents compressor backflow of hot gases and debris fromentering the flow path. In the description below, the terms “top” and“bottom” are used in relation to the figures.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-7, a first embodiment of a check valve is shownaccording to an illustrative embodiment. Check valve 100 comprises valvehousing 110. Valve housing 110 can be constructed from a solid piece ofmetal, such as stainless steel. The material chosen will depend on theapplication, but for use in a natural gas compressor lubrication system,the material should be resistant to corrosion by the gases and debris inthe compressor.

A cavity 112, having female pipe threads, is formed at a first end ofvalve housing 110. Cavity 112 serves as a fluid inlet into the valvehousing 110 and can be used to attach check valve 100 a fluid reservoir,such as a source of lubricating oil, by female pipe threads. Distal fromthe cavity 112, valve stem 114, having male pipe threads, is formed at asecond end of valve housing 110 and serves as a fluid outlet supplyingfluid to an attached system. By using male pipe threads, valve stem 114can be adapted to attach check valve 100 to machinery or equipment towhich fluid is to be provided. The threaded connections at the inlet andoutlet are coaxial along central axis 211.

Referring now to HG. 2, a cross-sectional view of valve housing 110 isshown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Valve housing 110includes axial conduit 210 extending longitudinally through the centerthereof along central axis 211, connecting cavity 112 to valve stem 114.

In FIG. 2, axial conduit 210 is comprised of a plurality of sections,each section having a different diameter. Section 212 has a diameter213. Section 214 has a diameter 215. Section 216 has a diameter 217.Shoulder 218 is formed within the conduit 210 to engage second valvebody section 600, described in FIG. 6 below.

Seat 220 transitions section 212 to section 214. Seat 220 is a ridgewithin axial conduit 210 that forms a step down from diameter 213 todiameter 215. Seat 222 transitions section 214 to section 216. Seat 222is a ridge within axial conduit 210 that forms a step down from diameter215 to diameter 217.

A valve body is located within valve housing 110 and includes first andsecond sections. Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of a firstvalve body section is shown in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. First valve body section 300 is adapted to be positionedwithin axial conduit 210.

First valve body section 300 includes an inlet port 310 allowing forfluid ingress through head 312 into inner conduit 410, shown in FIG. 4.Head 312 connects with annular inner body 314 at taper 316. Annularinner body 314 is adapted to be received within axial conduit 210 ofvalve housing 110.

First valve body section 300 includes a set of radial conduits 318. Asused herein, a set can include one or more radial conduits. Radialconduits 318 allow fluid passage from inner conduit 410, shown in FIG.4, to the exterior of annular inner body 314.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view of first valve bodysection 300 is shown according to an illustrative embodiment. Inlet port310 allows fluid to flow into inner conduit 410. Inner conduit 410extends longitudinally through first valve body section 300. Accordingto an illustrative embodiment, inner conduit 410 includes threadedfemale section 412 distal from inlet port 310. Female threaded section412 allows first valve body section 300 to connect to second valve bodysection 600, shown in FIG. 6, forming the valve body.

According to an illustrative embodiment, inner conduit 410 is comprisedof a plurality of sections, each section having a different diametercorresponding to a ball utilized for that section of the valve. Thecorresponding balls used in each section of the first valve body section300 are shown in FIG. 5.

Seat 414 is an interior surface of inner conduit 410 which contacts theball 510, shown in FIG. 5, to form a leak-tight seal. Seat 416 is aninterior surface of inner conduit 410 which contacts the ball 514, shownin FIG. 5, to form a leak-tight seal.

Radial conduits 318 allow fluid passage from inner conduit 410, shown inFIG. 4, to the exterior of annular inner body 314. Radial conduits 318extend transversely across inner conduit 410. According to anillustrative embodiment, radial conduits 318 are formed beneath seat416.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a set of sealing balls and biasing springs areshown according to an illustrative embodiment. Ball 510 is adapted to bepositioned within inner conduit 410. When check valve 100 is closed,ball 510 is positioned against seat 414 to form a seal, preventing fluidexchange between inlet port 310 and inner conduit 410. Spring 516provides a bias to ball 510. Spring 516 is adapted to be positionedwithin inner conduit 410, biasing ball 510 against scat 414.

Ball 514 is adapted to be positioned within inner conduit 410. Whencheck valve 100 is closed, ball 514 is positioned against seat 416 toform a seal, preventing fluid exchange between inner conduit 410 andaxial conduits 318. Spring 518 provides a bias to ball 514. Spring 518is adapted to be positioned within inner conduit 410, biasing ball 514against seat 416.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a second valve body section 600 is shownaccording to an illustrative embodiment. When assembled, second valvebody section 600 is adapted to slide through section 216 of the valvehousing 110 and engage female threaded section 412 of first valve bodysection 300. Second valve body section 600 includes male threadedportion 610. Male threaded portion 610 preferably slidably engages valvehousing 110 through section 216 and can then engage female threadedsection 412 of first valve body section 300.

In an illustrative embodiment, second valve body section 600 includesspring support 612. Spring support 612 is a cylindrical protrusionextending axially from second valve body section 600. Spring support 612is adapted to engage spring 518 within inner conduit 410 of theassembled check valve 100. Second valve body section 600 includes head614 adapted to engage and substantially abut shoulder 218 of valvehousing 110 to form a fluid seal with an interference fit.

Second valve body section 600 includes a set of fluid output grooves616. Fluid output grooves 616 allow fluid to escape from check valve 100past the seal between head 614 and shoulder 218 of valve housing 110. Inone illustrative embodiment, fluid output grooves 616 are arcuateincursions into head 614 that are substantially parallel with thecentral axis of second valve body section 600, which coincides withcentral axis 211 of valve housing 110.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a cross-sectional view of check valve 100 isshown in a closed position according to an illustrative embodiment.Check valve 100 includes the assembled pieces of valve housing 110 andvalve body 700 that includes first valve body section 300 and secondvalve body section 600, as well as sealing balls 510, 514 and biasingsprings 516, 518.

Head 312 of first valve body section 300 is adapted to sit withinsection 212 of the valve housing 110. Head 312 engages seat 220 of firstvalve body section 300 at interface 710 creating an interferenceleak-tight seal. Annular inner body 314 extends concentrically alongsection 214 of valve housing 110. Annular inner body 314 has a diameterthat is less than diameter 215, such that annular oil jacket 718 isformed between the outer surface of annular inner body 314 and the innersurface of axial conduit 210 along section 214 of valve housing 110.

Ball 510 is adapted to be positioned within inner conduit 410. Whencheck valve 100 is closed, ball 510 is positioned against seat 414 atinterface 712 to form a seal, preventing fluid exchange between inletport 310 and inner conduit 410. Spring 516 provides a bias to ball 510.Spring 516 is adapted to be positioned within inner conduit 410, biasingball 510 against seat 414.

Ball 514 is adapted to be positioned within inner conduit 410. Whencheck valve 100 is closed, hall 514 is positioned against seat 416 toform a seal, preventing fluid exchange between inner conduit 410 andaxial conduits 318. Spring 518 provides a bias to ball 514. Spring 518is adapted to be positioned within inner conduit 410, biasing ball 514against seat 416. Spring 518 is positioned within inner conduit 410through engagement with spring supports 612. Male threaded portion 610of second valve body section 600 mates with female threaded section 412of first valve body section 300 to form a leak-tight seal at interface716.

When a fluid source applies sufficient pressure to the check valve 100at inlet port 310, spring 516 and spring 518 are compressed. Both ball510 and ball 514 are moved distally away from the inlet port 310,allowing the fluid to flow through inlet port 310 and into inner conduit410. Inner conduit 410 is blocked at interface 716 by second valve bodysection 600. Fluid therefore moves from inner conduit 410 through radialconduits 318 and into annular oil jacket 718 between the outer surfaceof annular inner body 314 and the inner surface of axial conduit 210.

The lower portion axial conduit 210 is not threaded, so threads ofsecond valve body 600 do not engage with housing 110. Fluid from annularoil jacket 718 is therefore allowed to flow annularly around secondvalve body section 600 through section 216 of axial conduit 210. Fluidcan then flow through fluid output grooves 616, and into machinery orequipment to which fluid is to be provided. The release of fluid intoany machinery or equipment decreases pressure within check valve 100.Spring 516 and Spring 518 can restore ball 510 and 514 to their seatedpositions against seat 414 and seat 416, respectively. When the checkvalve 100 has closed, pressure in the machinery or equipment to whichfluid is supplied prevents fluid within annular oil jacket 718 fromdraining out and retains fluid within the annular oil jacket 718. Thesealing elements of check valve 100, including seats 414, 416 and balls510 and 514, are surrounded by the annular oil jacket 718. Fluid that isretained within annular oil jacket 718 protects the sealing elementsfrom any hot gases and debris from the machinery or equipment to whichfluid is supplied.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a flowchart shows the process steps ofsupplying a fluid to machinery or equipment from a fluid reservoirutilizing a check valve, including a valve body located within a valvehousing, according to an illustrative embodiment. Process 800 is amechanical process illustrating movement of a fluid through a checkvalve, such as check valve 100 of FIG. 1.

Process 800 begins when a fluid source applies sufficient pressure tothe check valve (step 810). Pressure applied from this fluid sourcecauses a first valve to open by displacing a first sealing ball (step820). The sealing ball can be, for example, ball 510 of FIG. 5. When thesealing ball is displaced, fluid flows from the fluid source into aninner conduit (step 830). The inner conduit can be, for example, innerconduit 410 of FIG. 4.

Pressure within the inner conduit displaces a second sealing ball (step840). The second scaling ball can be, for example, ball 514 of FIG. 5.Fluid then flows from the inner conduit to an annular oil jacket (step850). The annular oil jacket can be, for example, annular oil jacket 718of FIG. 7. The fluid flows from the inner conduit to the annular oiljacket via a set of radial conduits, such as radial conduits 318 of FIG.4.

Fluid flows from the annular oil jacket through an axial conduit andexits the check valve through a set of fluid output grooves (step 860).According to an illustrative embodiment, the fluid can exit the checkvalve by flowing annularly around a portion of the valve body, such assecond valve body section 600 through section 216 of axial conduit 210,and through fluid output grooves, such as fluid output grooves 616 ofFIG. 6.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a flowchart of a process for manufacturing acheck valve is shown according to an illustrative embodiment. Process900 can be utilized to manufacture a check valve such as check valve 100of FIG. 1.

Process 900 begins by providing a valve housing and a first valve bodysection (step 910). The valve housing can be, for example, valve housing110 of FIG. 1 and the first valve body section can be, for example,first valve body section 300 of FIG. 3. One or more valve mechanisms,for example, a set of balls and springs, are also provided (step 920).The first valve body section is then inserted into the valve housing(step 930). In an illustrative embodiment, the first valve body sectioncan be secured within the valve housing using mechanical process, suchas for example, press fitting the first valve body section within thevalve housing.

The valve mechanism is then inserted into the inner conduit of the firstvalve body section (step 940). A second valve body section 600 is thensecured within the check valve (step 950). The second valve body sectioncan further secure the first valve body section within the valvehousing, and also provide an annular flow path for fluid to exit thecheck valve.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a cross sectional view of a second embodimentof a check valve is shown in a closed position according to thisinvention. Check valve 1010 includes the assembled pieces of valvehousing 1012 and valve body 1011. Valve body 1011 includes first valvebody section 1014 and second valve body section 1017. The externalthreads of second valve body section 1017 engage with the internalthreads of first valve body section to secure the first valve bodysection 1014 within valve housing 1012. First valve body section 1014includes an inner conduit 1015 and radial outlets 1016, as well assealing balls and biasing springs 1018, 1020, 1022, 1024, respectively.Check valve 1010 is similar to check valve 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-7with an annular fluid jacket 1025 formed between valve housing 1012 andvalve body 1011. The lower portion 1030 of the housing bore is notthreaded, so threads of second valve body 1017 do not engage withhousing 1012, and lubricant can flow between the external threads ofsecond valve body section 1017 and the walls of lower portion 1030.Second valve body section 1017 includes radial conduits 1026 and acentral outlet port 1028 through which lubricant or other fluid isdelivered.

Fluid enters check valve 1010 in the same manner as described regardingcheck valve 100 in FIG. 7 wherein a fluid source applies sufficientpressure to the check valve 1010 to compress ball 1018, spring 1020,ball 1022, and spring 1024, allowing the fluid to flow through innerconduit 1015 and radial conduits 1016 into annular fluid jacket 1025.Fluid then flows from annular fluid jacket 1025 around the threadedportion of second valve body section 1017. The fluid then flows throughradial conduits 1026 and exits the check valve through outlet port 1028.In some embodiments, some lubricant can still flow around the outside ofsecond valve body section 1017 and out through the bottom of housing1012.

When check valve 1010 is closed, fluid is retained within annular fluidjacket 1025 and/or between second valve body section 1017 and lowerportion 1030 of the housing bore to protect the sealing elements andsurfaces from any hot gases and debris that may enter from the system towhich fluid is supplied.

Some embodiments do not rely on a gravity trap, in which liquid istrapped by gravity in a “U” shaped structure, to maintain a protectivefluid between the outlet and the sealing elements. Instead, someembodiments rely on surface tension and/or the adhesive forces betweenthe fluid and the material composing the valve to maintain a barrierlayer of fluid in a thin gap between the fluid outlet and the sealingelements. For example, annular fluid jackets 718 (FIGS. 7) and 1025(FIG. 10) may provide annular gaps that maintain a fluid barrier. Thegap between the valve housing body and the second valve body section mayalso maintain a fluid barrier. The gap should be sufficiently small sothat the fluid remains in the gap regardless of the orientation of thevalve assembly, but sufficiently large that the fluid will flow throughthe gap under the influence of the pressure at the fluid inlet. Thethickness of the region providing the fluid barrier will depend on thephysical properties of the liquid, such as viscosity and surfacetension, the interaction of the fluid with the valve surfaces, and thepressure of the fluid coming into the valve. A high viscosity fluid canbe maintained in a wider gap than can a low viscosity fluid. Forexample, when the valve is used in a natural gas compressor lubricationsystem, which typically operates with an inlet lubricant pressure ofbetween a few hundred psi and a few thousand psi, annular fluid jackets718 and 1025 arc typically between 10 and 30 thousandth of an inch, morepreferably between 15 and 25 thousandth of an inch. In one embodiment,the gap width is 20 thousandth of an inch. In another embodiment, thegap is as small as 5 thousandth of an inch. A skilled person will beable to determine a suitable gap for any particular fluid and pressurewithout undue experimentation based on the description above.

Illustrative embodiments described herein provide an oil reservoir thatsurrounds the internal components which protects the sealing surfacesfrom hot oil or gas.

These embodiments can ultimately reduce the need to shut down acompressor to change a failed check valve. The cost to shut down acompressor to change a failed check valve can amount to tens ofthousands of dollars because when the compressor is shut down, allproduction of gas is halted.

By reducing compressor down time, embodiments can reduce pollution,because when the compressor is shut down the gas that was beingcompressed must be flared to the atmosphere, which pollutes the earth'satmosphere.

Reducing the quantity of gas that is flared when a compressor is shutdown also reduces fines imposed for flaring.

The in-line design enables embodiments to be installed on any compressoror in any place a check valve is needed to prevent backflow of lubricantinto a lubricating system.

While the embodiments described above are adapted for use in a naturalgas compressor, the invention is not limited to any specificapplication. A preferred check valve used in a natural gas compressorlubrication system can be used in systems at pressures of 10,000 psi andat high temperatures, and can withstand the chemical environment. Whilethe Figures show the use of ball valves inside the check valve, othertypes of valves, such as poppet valves can also be used. Embodimentscould use any type of internal valve besides those mentioned above, forexample, diaphragm valves, swing check valves, or disk valve.

Embodiments of this invention provide a valve for supplying fluid from afluid source to a system in which the valve includes a housing having anaxial conduit extending along a central axis from an inlet at one endfor entry of fluid into the housing to an outlet at an opposite end forexit of fluid from the housing; a check valve body disposed within theaxial conduit of the valve housing; and a fluid flow path through whichfluid flows from the inlet through the check valve body to the outlet,wherein fluid is retained within a portion of the fluid flow path tosubstantially surround the check valve body preventing gas and debrisfrom the outlet from entering the check valve body. The inlet and theoutlet are aligned along the central axis and the check valve body iscoaxial with the housing. The check valve body includes a first valvebody section having a first end adjacent to the inlet of the housing anda distal end. A second valve body section includes a first end rotatablyconnected to the distal end of the first valve body section forming afluid seal and a second distal end adjacent to the outlet of thehousing. The fluid flow path extends from the inlet of the housing intothe first valve body section at an inlet port through a central conduitand out through at least one radial port to the axial conduit that formsan annular fluid jacket between the first and second valve body sectionsand the housing, so that the annular fluid jacket retains fluidpreventing gas and debris from entering the central conduit of the firstvalve body section. In one embodiment, the second valve body sectionincludes at least one groove at the second distal end extending along anouter surface of the second valve body section to the outlet of thehousing. In another embodiment, the second valve body section includesat least one port at the second distal end in communication with theannular section and a central axial outlet port in communication withthe outlet. The first valve body section has at least one check valvelocated within the central conduit between the inlet port and the atleast one radial port. The check valve is a ball biased by a spring. Thefirst end of the second valve body section is received within thecentral conduit of the first valve body section and supports the spring.Rotation of the second valve body section within the first valve bodysection compresses the spring loading the ball against the inlet port.The housing is threaded at the inlet for connection to a fluid sourceand is threaded at the outlet for connection to a system to which fluidis supplied. The threaded connections are coaxial along the central axisof the housing.

Some embodiments of the invention provide a method of manufacturing avalve structure by forming a housing having an axial conduit extendingfrom a fluid inlet at a first end to a fluid outlet at a second end andforming a check valve body having a first valve body section and asecond valve body section. The first valve body section is formed withan inlet port to conduct fluid through the check valve body to an outletport in the second valve body section. Positioning the check valve bodywithin the axial conduit of the housing forms a fluid flow path thatextends from the inlet through the check valve body to the outlet,wherein a portion of the fluid flow path is formed to retain fluid tosurround the check valve body to prevent gas and debris from enteringthe check valve body. The fluid inlet of the housing is threaded toallow connection to a fluid source and the fluid outlet of the housingis threaded to allow connection to a system to which fluid is supplied.The threaded connection at the inlet and the outlet are coaxial along acentral axis of the housing. The first valve body section is formed tobe rotatably connected to the second valve body section. The check valvebody is formed with a spring biased ball valve. The fluid flow path isformed to retain fluid between the spring biased ball valve and theoutlet.

Some embodiments provide a fluid flow path in which fluid flows from theinlet through the housing to the outlet, the fluid flow path including abarrier portion wherein fluid is retained to substantially prevent gasand debris from fouling the check valve, the barrier portion providing asufficiently small gap so that fluid is maintained in the barrierportion regardless of the orientation of the valve.

Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to belimited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine,manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps describedin the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readilyappreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes,machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps,presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantiallythe same function or achieve substantially the same result as thecorresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according tothe present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended toinclude within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture,compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

What is claimed is:
 1. A valve for supplying fluid from a fluid sourceto a system, comprising: a housing having an axial conduit extendingalong a central axis from an inlet at one end for entry of fluid intothe housing to an outlet at an opposite end for exit of fluid from thehousing; a check valve body disposed within the axial conduit of thevalve housing; and a fluid flow path through which fluid flows from theinlet through the check valve body to the outlet, wherein fluid isretained within a portion of the fluid flow path to prevent gas anddebris from the outlet from entering the check valve body and whereinthe fluid flow path includes a first spring biasing a first ball, asecond ball, and a second spring between the first ball and the secondball and biasing the first ball and the second ball in oppositedirections.
 2. The valve of claim 1, wherein the inlet and the outletare aligned along the central axis.
 3. The valve of claim 1, wherein thecheck valve body is coaxial with the housing.
 4. A for supplying fluidfrom a fluid source to a system, comprising: a housing having an axialconduit extending along a central axis from an inlet at one end forentry of fluid into the housing to an outlet at an opposite end for exitof fluid from the housing; a check valve body disposed within the axialconduit of the valve housing and coaxial with the housing: and a fluidflow path through which fluid flows from the inlet through the checkvalve body to the outlet, wherein fluid is retained. within a portion ofthe fluid flow path to prevent gas and debris front the outlet fromentering the check valve body and, wherein the check valve body includesa first valve body section having a first end adjacent to the inlet ofthe housing and a distal end, and a second valve body section having afirst end attached to the distal end of the first valve body sectionforming a fluid seal and a second distal end adjacent to the outlet ofthe housing.
 5. The valve of claim 4, wherein the fluid flow pathextends from the inlet of the housing into the first valve body sectionat an inlet port through a central conduit and out through at least oneradial port to the axial conduit that forms an annular fluid jacketbetween the first and second valve body sections and the housing, sothat the annular fluid jacket retains fluid preventing gas and debrisfrom entering the central conduit of the first valve body section. 6.The valve of claim 5, wherein the second valve body section includes atleast one groove at the second distal end extending along an outersurface of the second valve body section to the outlet of the housing.7. The valve of claim 5, wherein the second valve body section includesat least one port at the second distal end in communication with theannular and a central axial outlet port in communication with theoutlet.
 8. The valve of claim 5, wherein the first valve body sectionhas at least one check valve located within the central conduit betweeninlet port and the at least one radial port.
 9. The valve of claim 8,wherein the at least one check valve is a ball biased by a spring. 10.The valve of claim 9, wherein the first end of the second valve bodysection is received within the central conduit of the first valve bodysection and supports the spring.
 11. The valve of claim 10, whereinrotation of the second valve body section within the first valve bodysection compresses the spring loading the ball against the inlet port.12. The valve of claim 1, wherein the housing has a threaded outlet forconnection to a system to which fluid is supplied, wherein the threadedoutlet is coaxial along the central axis of the housing.
 13. A method ofmanufacturing a valve structure, comprising: forming a housing having anaxial conduit extending from a fluid inlet at a first end to a fluidoutlet at a second end; forming a check valve body having a first valvebody section and a second valve body section, the first valve bodysection having an inlet port to conduct fluid through the check valvebody to an outlet port in the second valve body section or between theseconds valve body section and the housing; inserting into the firstvalve bod section a second ball a second spring, a first ball, and thena first spring into the first valve body section, the second springbiasing the first and second ball; and positioning the check valve bodywithin the axial conduit of the housing forming a fluid flow path thatextends from the <inlet through the check valve body to the fluidoutlet, wherein a portion of the fluid flow path is formed to retainfluid to prevent gas and debris from entering the check valve body. 14.The method of claim 13, wherein threaded connections at the fluid inletand the fluid outlet are coaxial along a central axis of the housing.15. The method of claim 13, wherein the first valve body section isformed to be rotatably connected to the second valve body section. 16.The method of claim 13, wherein the check valve body is formed with atleast one spring biased ball valve.
 17. A valve for supplying fluid froma fluid source to a system, comprising: a housing having an inlet at oneend for entry of fluid into the housing and an outlet at an opposite endfor exit of fluid from the housing; two check valves disposed within thehousing; and a fluid flow path in which fluid flows from the inletthrough the housing to the outlet, the fluid flow path including abarrier portion between the outlet and the check valve closest to theoutlet, wherein fluid is retained to substantially prevent gas anddebris from fouling the check valve, the barrier portion providing asufficiently small gap so that fluid is maintained in the barrierportion regardless of the orientation of the valve.
 18. The valve ofclaim 17 in which the barrier portion comprises an annular gap.
 19. Thevalve of claim 17 further comprising a lubricant for a natural gascompressor in at least part of the fluid flow path and in which thelubricant is maintained in the barrier portion by surface tension.
 20. Alubrication system, comprising: a source of a pressurized lubricant; anda valve in accordance with claim
 17. 21. A natural gas compressorcomprising: a compressor; and a lubrication system in accordance withclaim 20 in which the outlet provides lubricant to the compressor. 22.The valve of claim 17, further comprising a check valve body positionedwithin the housing and containing the two check valves.
 23. The valve ofclaim 22, in which the fluid is retained between the check valve bodyand the housing.
 24. The valve of claim 22, in which the check valvebody is held in the housing by a portion of the check valve body. 25.The valve of claim 24 in which the check valve body is secured againstwith against a shoulder of the housing by a check valve body sectionthreaded into an end of the check valve body that is opposite from theend of the check valve body that is secured against the shoulder of thehousing.
 26. The valve of claim 17, in which a first of the two checkvalves includes a first spring and a first ball and is positioned withina first channel having a first diameter and in which the second of thetwo check valves includes a second spring and a second ball and ispositioned within a second channel having a second diameter differentfrom the first diameter.
 27. The valve of claim 26 in which the firstchannel and the second channel are longitudinally spaced apart along thesame axis.
 28. The valve of claim 26 in which the first ball has a firstdiameter and the second ball has a second diameter.